Villain in MCU- CH-87. Tony Falls into Self-Doubt

A beach house in Malibu, outside Los Angeles.

Tony Stark was alone in the laboratory on the underground floor.

The lights were turned off, and it was pitch black and silent. Even Jarvis, who loved to chat, didn't say a word.

Jarvis is an artificial intelligence with high emotional intelligence. He knew that the young master was at a critical moment of fear and confusion. This is a hurdle in Tony's heart that he must overcome on his own initiative. Help from outsiders is just icing on the cake.

At this moment, Tony's mind was in chaos.

He was both terrified and curious about Jason's superpowers. What frightened him was the possibility that Jason might suddenly show up and end everything for him. He was curious about the principle behind these superpowers and whether they could be cracked through scientific methods to find a way to restrain them.

Tony sat in his office chair, supporting his head with one hand, and the other hand casually resting on his lap.

He had maintained this posture for several hours until the first ray of sunlight from the east shone through the vents, waking him up.

He stood up, stretched his limbs, and rubbed his face vigorously with his hands.

After recovering a little, Tony said, "Jarvis, turn on the TV."

Jarvis' voice was a little hesitant, "Sir, your emotions are very unstable. I suggest you don't watch TV at this time."

Tony smiled self-deprecatingly, "Ever since I started working in the arms industry, there's been no shortage of people criticizing and insulting me in the news every day. I've gotten used to it over the years. Turn on the TV."

"Yes, sir."

As soon as he finished speaking, the large-screen TV in the laboratory lit up, and it was time for the morning news.

The host spoke of last night's casualties in a heavy tone with a hint of sadness.

Last night's battle with Jason resulted in the deaths of more than 300 police officers, over 200 soldiers, more than 100 Stark Industries security guards, and dozens of onlookers.

In the United States, known as the world's number one military power, such high casualties were a shock to the entire country. What's more, the case had been broadcast live throughout the entire process, and the psychological trauma it brought to ordinary citizens would probably be impossible to erase.

Jason Walter had successfully surpassed that adult and become the biggest fear and shadow in the hearts of the American people and government.

Tony felt a pang of pain when he saw the bloody numbers on TV.

Although he was a cold-blooded death merchant, he had not completely lost his humanity.

If he had not underestimated the enemy, if he had done more research beforehand, if he had been more cautious and meticulous, these people would not have died.

After a long silence, Tony said, "Jarvis, in the name of the Stark Charitable Foundation, distribute $500,000 in donations to all the victims. An additional $500,000 in condolence compensation will be given to the company's more than 100 security guards."

"Yes, sir." Said Jarvis.

After saying these words, Tony sat back in his chair, exhausted.

Paying compensation was the only thing he could do now, and it was also the only way to alleviate the condemnation of his conscience.

The TV screen turned, and reporters took to the streets to interview passers-by about their views on the incident.

"I think the military and the government are really incompetent. The military budget approved by Congress is increasing every year, but they allow a group of robbers to commit major crimes repeatedly."

"Jason Walter is too dangerous. He was originally just an ordinary robber, but he suddenly gained magical superpowers. If the government doesn't kill him soon, the whole world will be in crisis because of him in the future."

"I want to tell Mr. Tony Stark that your Iron Man armor is a pile of rotten shit. If it weren't for your blind self-confidence, if you hadn't taken the initiative to provoke him, these hundreds of lives wouldn't have to die."

Stark's face twitched, and he felt a little unhappy.

But although what that person said was harsh, it was also extremely true.

In front of Jason's superpowers, his Iron Man armor was like a pile of dog shit and was of no use at all.

Perhaps the Iron Man Armor wasn't as powerful as he thought, and he had just been getting carried away.

Just when Tony was in self-doubt, Jarvis said, "Sir, Miss Pepper is here."

Tony looked up at the screen.

Pepper was stopped by the security outside and was being carefully questioned.

The first thing he did when he got home early in the morning was to upgrade the security inside and outside the villa again.

There were armed security soldiers and armored tanks stationed within a five-kilometer radius of the villa. The armed helicopter on the roof was ready to take off at any time. If someone suspected to be Jason broke in, Tony could immediately leave by helicopter.

After ten minutes of careful inspection, Pepper finally arrived at the villa and walked into the laboratory.

Tony didn't greet her but was focused on watching the news.

The comments on the news were harsh. Pepper frowned and couldn't bear to listen to them anymore.

"Mute!"

The next moment, the big-screen TV went silent.

Pepper walked up to him and found a wheelchair to sit on.

Their eyes met.

Tony's face looked gloomy, and his eyes were dull, as if he hadn't recovered from a serious illness. He had completely lost his former lively spirit.

Obviously, what happened last night had exhausted him, and he hadn't slept all night.

Pepper felt a little distressed. She moved closer, held Tony's big hands tightly with both of hers, and encouraged him, "How long do you want to dwell on your past failures?"

Tony raised his head and looked at her with confused eyes.

Seeing his eyes, Pepper became very angry and shouted, "Jason is squandering your money right now. Are you willing to do that? Looking at the victims and their families, aren't you heartbroken? Listening to those slanderous words on TV, aren't you angry?"

Tony said, "I am unwilling! I feel sad! I am angry! But what can I do?"

Pepper continued, "You are a genius inventor, so cheer up and develop a weapon that can kill Jason."

Tony smiled bitterly and said, "The Iron Man Armor is my proudest product, but in front of Jason's superpowers, it's like a three-year-old's educational toy."

Pepper frowned and said, "Then you should develop a weapon more powerful than the Iron Man Armor!"

Tony sighed and shook his head, "I don't know if I have this ability, or if technology can defeat superpowers."

Pepper looked him in the eyes and said seriously, "Believe me, if even you can't beat Jason, then no one in this world can beat him."

Hearing these words, a warm current surged from the depths of Tony's heart and then flowed through his limbs.

Tony seemed to have received a shot of cardiotonic energy. He regained his spirit and jokingly said, "Why do you trust me so much? Are you secretly in love with me?"

Pepper rolled her eyes at him, "You pay too much, I don't want to change to a stingy boss."

The two looked at each other and laughed at the same time.

The haze that had shrouded Tony's heart was finally illuminated by a ray of gentle sunshine.

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